Anaphora (rhetoric)

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In rhetoric, an anaphora (Template:Langx, "carrying back") is a rhetorical device that consists of repeating a sequence of words at the beginnings of neighboring clauses, thereby lending them emphasis.<ref name="Zhang2005">Template:Cite book</ref> In contrast, an epistrophe (or epiphora) is repeating words at the clauses' ends. The combination of anaphora and epistrophe results in symploce.

Functions

Anaphora is repetition at the beginning of a sentence to create emphasis. Other than the function of emphasizing ideas, the use of anaphora as a rhetorical device adds rhythm to a word as well as making it more pleasurable to read and easier to remember.

Anaphora serves the purpose of delivering an artistic effect to a passage. It is also used to appeal to the emotions of the audience in order to persuade, inspire, motivate and encourage them.<ref name="Ex.Def.">Template:Cite web</ref> In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, he uses anaphora by repeating "I have a dream" eight times throughout the speech.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>